An enchanting invitation to go outside, take in nature…and enjoy every moment of it.
What will Milo see on his walk today?
Milo, a young boy with curly brown hair and beige skin, sets out on a walk through the neighborhood, holding hands with his mother, who has long, wavy brown hair and beige skin. They come upon a big puddle, and Milo decides the rain has left it for him to discover. When Milo pretends his reflection is a real child, his mother plays along and replies. From there, the pair hear buzzing bees humming as they go about their daily activities. They see bright yellow flowers whose perfume reminds Milo of his mother, and they see white tails in the sky from a plane hidden in the clouds. Milo’s mother gently encourages Milo’s imaginings and even helps him with an art project that Milo works on to help them remember the day. Howe’s sensitive prose expertly guides readers through this sensorial adventure, offering touchstones of wonder and delight (especially the welcoming slobbery kisses from a friendly pooch). Kikuchi’s luminous palette depicts whimsy and joy in each small moment—the images are awash in delicate blues and warm yellows, outlined in soft grays and browns. Varying perspectives provide close-ups of Milo’s experiences as well as bird’s-eye views of him and his mother in nature, keeping young readers engaged and curious themselves.
An enchanting invitation to go outside, take in nature…and enjoy every moment of it. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Nov. 7, 2023
ISBN: 9781419755200
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Abrams
Review Posted Online: Sept. 9, 2023
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 2023
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
BOOK REVIEW
A disappointing follow-up.
Inventor Izzy Gizmo is back in this sequel to her eponymous debut (2017).
While busily inventing one day, Izzy receives an invitation from the Genius Guild to their annual convention. Though Izzy’s “inventions…don’t always work,” Grandpa (apparently her sole caregiver) encourages her to go. The next day they undertake a long journey “over fields, hills, and waves” and “mile after mile” to isolated Technoff Isle. There, Izzy finds she must compete against four other kids to create the most impressive machine. The colorful, detail-rich illustrations chronicle how poor Izzy is thwarted at every turn by Abi von Lavish, a Veruca Salt–esque character who takes all the supplies for herself. But when Abi abandons her project, Izzy salvages the pieces and decides to take Grandpa’s advice to create a machine that “can really be put to good use.” A frustrated Izzy’s impatience with a friend almost foils her chance at the prize, but all’s well that ends well. There’s much to like: Brown-skinned inventor girl Izzy is an appealing character, it’s great to see a nurturing brown-skinned male caregiver, the idea of an “Invention Convention” is fun, and a sustainable-energy invention is laudable. However, these elements don’t make up for rhymes that often feel forced and a lackluster story.
A disappointing follow-up. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: March 1, 2020
ISBN: 978-1-68263-164-5
Page Count: 32
Publisher: Peachtree
Review Posted Online: Jan. 11, 2020
Kirkus Reviews Issue: Feb. 1, 2020
Relatable bedtime fare.
In this picture book from comedian Gatto, a little one embarks on a nighttime detective caper while also learning some calming techniques.
Tucked into bed, a light-skinned youngster with a mop of brown hair is almost ready to go to sleep, but something’s missing. Eyes wide, mouth agape, the child wonders, “Where’s Bearry?” The snuggly teddy is lost. Armed with a household map and magnifying glass and trailed by a pup sidekick, the tot searches high and low. “He’s not in the playroom / with my robot and blocks. / He’s not in the hamper / with all the stinky socks.” More searching comes up empty, and the increasingly distraught narrator worries, “Maybe he took a trip on the ferry? / Oh no! I’m freaking out! // WHERE’S BEARRY?!?!” Luckily, the youngster remembers to take a deep breath and count down from three. These actions help soothe the intrepid detective, and suddenly, all becomes clear. (Spoiler alert: Bearry is found.) The jaunty, singsong text trips up a bit here and there but propels the mystery forward. Flowers’ colorful art captures the wide range of emotions the youngster experiences: sadness, panic, serenity, and relief.
Relatable bedtime fare. (Picture book. 3-6)Pub Date: Sept. 3, 2024
ISBN: 9780593750193
Page Count: 40
Publisher: Penguin Workshop
Review Posted Online: June 15, 2024
Kirkus Reviews Issue: July 15, 2024
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